The Roots of the Focolare Movement's Economic Ethic

Articles

Abstract

The Focolare Movement is an emerging global ecclesial community. Since 1991 it has been engaged in promoting a radical alternative to the dominant neoliberal capitalist vision—the “Economy of Communion”—involving a global network of small- and medium-size businesses committed to Christian principles. The roots of this proposal, however, stretch back to the very beginnings of the movement during the 1940s in Italy. This article explores the early historical and philosophical roots underpinning the specific vision of economic life that emerges from the spirituality of the Focolare and some of the consequent economic practices that have emerged. The article asks whether such normative visions present in the new ecclesial movements could represent a “new Weberian thesis” capable of redirecting the capitalist economy in more sustainable directions.